Chen's mouth waters at the sight and smell of the food, but he sighs in relief at the refreshingly friendly smiles and greetings of the staff. Yes, thank you, sir. And how much extra for meals? As soon as able, Chen will deposit his belongings in his room, and then find a table in the mess area and order a plate of everything.

Loane puts on a smile, trying to come off as nice. "Yes sir. We could use a bed to rest in."

She will hand over the amount of money for the room, without any argument. Once they get the keys, she goes up to check out the room, to see if it was closer to diamond or dung. Most of her stuff down, but keeps some of her more valuable items on person.

The diamond in the dung is a well maintained, dry, warm, clean Inn. Indeed, you may describe it as a diamond in the dung, given how everyone here has treated you thus far. The view from your room on the 3rd floor, with your belongings plunked on a chair near the large soft looking bed, affords you a look at the city from a different perspective. Down below in crowded by-ways and alleys people move to and fro in the rain. But above the roofs of the shorter one and two floor buildings you can see more of the city.  You both have west facing room and from here can see the Senate and government buildings, tall and stone lifting above the city to the south east, while to the north you see the spires and towers of the church district, brilliant through the grey haze.  Straight ahead the intersection of Silver Street with Pearl St, and Tin Avenue the three large boulevards in the city shows a mass of activity. Far to the west, on the western edge of the city you see the towering walls of square squat arena taking up at least two city blocks. Leaving your basic gear in your room, securing it with a pad lock and the key you've been provided, you each head down into the common room. The common room takes up half the bottom floor and sports a long stretch of bar that runs the entire length of the building. Three bar tenders work behind it to pour drinks. At least thirty tables fill this room between thick wooden beams, and a smokey haze drifts lazily amidst the rafters, smelling of tobacco and spices. 

Loane, you arrive at Chen's table that already has a bowl of peanuts that have been roasted in honey and covered in sugar and salt, and a foamy beer in a ceramic mug. Glancing around at the clientele you'd figure half the people in here are nonhumans as you spot halforcs, gnomes, dwarves, halflings, elves and half-elves abound. Chen's chatting politely with a pretty half-elven serving girl you'd seen before, who has a small chalk board scribbled full of a list of food he's already ordered.  In her northern accent with it's extended "Y's" and harsh "R's", she speaks casually to him, "Well, I don't kindly know where the elk comes from. It might be a farm I suppose, though my best guess would be shipped in from the north. I heard folk tell about vast tracks of land with nothin but elk for as far as the eye can see. Can you 'magine?"  She glances at Loane, curtsying and smiling widely, "Well met m'lady. Can I add anything to the order for you or fetch a drink?"  Loane orders and soon enough the half-elf is off to start fulfilling the massive order. 

It's an hour later when Jahren walks into the bar. The glances around the place appraisingly, clearly in his element, and spots the two of you quick enough. Despite Chen's prodigious appetite, the amount of food ordered was over the top and Jahren is given the opportunity to try left-over mouthfuls of a dozen different dishes.  Beer is ordered and soon enough you're all settled in, with room to talk. 

Was your business productive, friend? Chen asks Jahren, gesturing for him to help himself to the leftovers as he takes a seat. I confess I've made no attempt yet to approach anyone about adventuring into the forest, instead taking the opportunity to enjoy the company of friend Loane here and partake of some small nourishment. But perhaps with your talent for assessing people, which I have beheld first-hand, you might appraise those most likely to be of service and save me from potential error. Thus far I see mostly merchant-folk.

Jahren sits down and says "small indeed" with a large grin as he looks at Chen's latest spread of delights.  Grabbing some peanuts, he relaxes and asks Loane what she might be up to now that they have reached Hillsfar.  Meanwhile he scans the room for his own purposes and those of Chen, looking for any folks interesting to him, any watching him or his new friends, and for Chen's sake, any experienced adventurers or heroes of any kind.  For the latter he looks for fine weaponry, unique items magic or mundane, clothing or armor lending clues to certain experience, scars, tattoos, etc.

To Chen's initial question he answers "only making acquaintances thus far."

Perception: 15

It being lunch on an average day the bar is not a hotbed of valiant warriors and adventurers, those tend to come out later in the evening. Instead it is largely filled by traders from out of town. There's a goodly number of sailors far too deep in their drinks for lunch time, there's a bard there tuning her viola and chatting with what looks like a member of the Red Plumes, you spot a couple of some merchants haggling fiercely over what you think you heard were wool prices. A half-orc is discussing politics with a human male that looks to be a well dressed noble of some sort. A human man and woman are sitting with two children at a table in the corner. They all seem well dressed. The children are pointing at various non-humans and smiling big smiles. You see two dwarves dressed like clerics enjoying a bread and cheese spread, one is Torm while one wears garb that sports what seems to be the entire pantheon of good and neutral gods. A man sits by himself against one wall, human, with a bow and peacebonded sword sword at his side, simply scanning the room occasionally while eating his beef stew. Two wood elves sit at the bar talking to a member of the Red Plume in hushed tones. The Red Plume warrior, long sword at his side and heavy crossbow at the foot of the bar, glances around occasionally, particularly at the other Red Plume across the room. The room contains a plethora of other patrons which Jahren picks through, but aside the two elves, and the lone man with a short sword, none look to have much potential as guides for Chen.

Chen relates to Jahren their experiences in Hillsfar so far, including losing a few of his items to an overly-helpful woman at the docks. He thinks he would probably fare just as poorly should he try to roam the city, that tells Jahren regretfully that he should probably remain at the inn until he finds a group, and just pay someone if he needs any supplies bought.

"This treatment is unfortunate.  Hopefully it will change over time with the new laws.  If I can be of service to you, mighty Chen, just say the word."  Jahren will listen to Loane's response to his query first while keeping one eye on the pair of wood elves and the other on the lone man with the beef stew.

"Admittedly, the politics here are new to me, but it's already made a rather sour impression." She looks between the two. "But it's gives just a reason to leave as well. I'll offer my assistance as well, Chen. Not as strong as you, or as charismatic as Jahren, but I'm good at moving around and finding things."

After relating your stories and discussing a half-orc who'd been discussing politics with a noble comes and pulls a chair up. He grins a surprisingly friendly smile at the lot of you. "Hey there, hope you don't mind if I join you.  My name is Tulthoriak, but most people round here just call me Tug. I couldn't help but overhear some of your trials and tribulations on your first visit to Hillsfar."  He seems well spoken, polite, and genuine at first sense. "Let me tell you, they folks down at the harbor work like a well oiled machine, grinding visitors through the machine. The Red Plumes down there are rotten to the core and work with the thieves guild, and all together they take advantage of new folk who come in by ship. I have to apologize on behalf of my fellow Hillsfarians, but I can tell you that the rest of the city isn't nearly so foul.  Oh, for certain, the Red Plumes will harass ya, and some shop keepers will bounce up their prices or tell you they're closed, there's still lots of bigoted jerks here....but you won't get the same special treatment.  Here, let me give you some of the other legendary treatment in Hillsfar."  He raises his hand getting the attention of the half-elf maid, "Tilda, get these folk a round of that mint julep you make back there..."   He looks back to the table in a conspiratory fashion, "This green drink looks like poison, but I tell ya, I need one at least every other day or I start to get a hankering. It's good stuff."  

"Anyway, I won't impose on you any longer, and let you enjoy your time. Sorry about overhearing, it's just..." he motions around, "..it's an open concept sorta place. If you need anything in town, contacts, meet any sorta people, or just a guide to walk about and make sure you don't get harassed to much, call on Tug."  

A few minutes later a round of some sort of bright green liquid, each one sparkling with a multi-colored glowing ice cube, are handed out around the tables by Tilda.  She curties cutely and heads off. The ice stops glowing after just a minute...but the drink remains bright green and smells strongly of mint.

(To start, Jahren tries to size up Tug and his motivations.  Don't want to drink any poison! ;)  )

Insight 24

Chen grins with relief at Tug's reassurance and accepts the drink with a grateful smile. As the half-orc leaves, Chen says to his two companions: Well he seemed like a nice fellow. Maybe if there are more like him around, the situation might not be so grim. Perhaps I might venture forth ... a little later.

Loane accepts the drink, but waits to take a sip from it. "He did make sure we knew he was friendly. Corrupt guards doesn't sound too far fetched, especially with the rumors around here. Do be careful if you do out, Chen. Because even if they aren't as bad, it doesn't make them nearly as friendly as some of the people in here."

Jahren figures the Tug is honest, though..extra friendly. He seems to be on a mission to make friends and though the words are honest he seems to have ulterior motives. Wether they're altruistic or not is impossible to say without talking to him more. They could be as simple as just being "that guy who everyone turns to", but thinking back to his discussion with that human noble, more likely he's trying to build connections for her own personal needs.  Still.  Nice enough guy. 

The drinks taste wonderful. Sweet, cold, refreshing and minty, you all understand why he was raving about them.

Wiping his mouth and resting back in his chair, Chen feels content and a little more optimistic. There's plenty of day left, perhaps a look around outside would be educational. Do you have any particular objectives in Hillsfar, Loane? As you offered to help me, so I return the same offer. And also to you of course, Jahren.

"Thank you, Tug.  A pleasure" remarks Jahren as the half-orc makes his exit.

"Indeed Chen.  Thank you for the snack. I'd best be going as well.  Perhaps I'll see you all back here around dinner time?  You may find more adventurer types here by then, I'd think, rather than some traders, businessmen and a wanderer such as myself.  I'd imagine you'll need at least a few with some real fortitude and experience with trouble.  Stay out of trouble for now, you two."

Jahren makes his exit and heads for 4th Collins St..  This time he decides not to disguise his ears and any more elven features of his face to see what reactions he garners.

"I'm not looking for anything specific. So a look around wouldn't do much harm. Outside of perhaps the few odd looks, that is, but those are easy to brush off."

Chen leaves his hammer and travelling gear locked in the room, and then prepares to head out into the city. He will be looking for people that might augment an expedition party, as well as any useful gear that he might need. And perhaps any exotic local foods.

The city streets glisten in the afternoon light penetrating the grey clouds above. A gentle mist falls leaving everything coated in droplets of water. Chen and Loane wander the streets of Hillsfar together. For certain Chen draws a lot of attention. Though unlike your welcome to the city, the attention is largely benign. You wander east. Wagons of covered lumber trundle steadily in from the docks while wagons with boxes of manufactured goods head the other way. Empty iron bound kegs leave a warehouse where dozens of humans bang, saw, and work metal and wood, heading for the brewery district. Food from the outlying farms are brought in by the wagon load, heavy with a bounty of northern crops of corn, potatoes, hops and barley. 

The market ward has no clear boundaries but just begins with a few stalls and shops amidst the houses and businesses, until it eventually turns into crowded streets packed with shoppers, stalls, and stores. Gems and precious rocks from the north, knick knacks from the wild tribes in the north, leather worked goods from Cormyr, steel from Sembia. Cold weather gear features prominently. Knitted mittens, scarves, and hats mix with fur lined jackets, thick fur filled leather boots and lined backpacks. All manner of foods can be found here and Loane finds her and Chen's progress impeded significantly as you stops to peruse fruit ports, fried meat filled pancakes, pastries filled with scrambled duck egg, and more, often seasoned with spices from far and wide. It would seem the people of Hillsfar have access to goods from all over the sea of fallen stars with ships sailing up the Lis and taking back Hillsfarian goods. 

Between mouthfuls of skewered rabbit meat and carrot you stroll past an art store and a store full of lumbering supplies, Chen notices "Dark Woods Adventuring" with art work of forests and streams in the window along with a painting rendering a glorious battle between four human warriors and a pack of massive wolves.  He ducks his head into the shop. A desk is near the back, a young human wearing studded leather sits at it, a crossbow is mounted on the wall, as well as a longsword that looks to be elven made.  He looks up, a quick smile is replaced with a less than happy look when he sees who has entered.  He sighs though, "Hi there. Looking for adventure? We offer veteran woods folk to help guide you on your adventures into Cormanthor. We offer guides, or full adventure packages including supplies, food and equipment for those that are looking for everything." 

In addition to Dark Woods Adventuring, Chen also spots a Mercenary company called "Devils Fork" that offers escorts as small as 5 warriors and as large as 50, and finds a caravan guard company that offers professional escorts, but only along main roads.  As they finish their walkabout he figures he's spotted several other companies that offer similar services.  Costs range from 2gp per day per person (caravan guard) to 15gp per person per day (trained local scout and warrior).  You are only stopped twice by Red Plume who ask for papers and forgo a search, and a couple streets in particular gave you some sour receptions, but all in all, aside from constant looks of curiosity and interest, was rather welcoming in it's grey rainy atmosphere.

You end up back at the Diamond in the Dung just after dinner time, soaked and glad for the wall of dry warmth that hits you.  The place is in mid-transformation from local eatery and bustling tavern to lively evening tavern with dancing, music, games and drinking. You are almost shocked as you enter the hall and spot people of all races mingling. After a day walking through Hillsfar and encounter almost exclusively humans, the site is jarring and you have a guilty twinge of acceptance for many of the looks you've received all day as you've wandered around.  A trio of gnomes play an exotic and high tempo tune as two elven maids dance among several human men. You grab yourself a seat, order some food and drink after so much walking around (and eating and drinking constantly), and sit to enjoy the evening.  

Only a short time later Jahren shows up after his own time exploring the city of Hillsfar. 

Chen answers all the scowls and unfriendly looks with polite nods, waves and smiles. Who knows, perhaps enough positive interactions could warm even this cold and bigoted place. Chen's main concern is whether any of the escort or mercenary companies are amenable to hiring out to a non-human client. It wouldn't do to have a company burdened with prejudice against their employer, and risk desertion - or worse. Chen doubts whether he would find a sympathetic ear should he return to Hillsfar and seek redress for a company that failed to fulfill their paid obligations.

Insight: 3